CULLMAN - Mark your calendar and put on your dancing shoes! The 22nd annual Cullman Jazz Band Big Band Dance is set for Friday, Feb. 2 from 7-9 p.m. at the Cullman Civic Center. This year’s theme is “Old Hollywood/Oscar Red Carpet Elegance.”

Cullman Band Booster President Mary Hovater said the group is expecting a crowd.

“We expect another big turnout,” she said. “Past years have brought in 200-400 participants.”

Tickets to the dance are $10 each, and all of that money goes to the Cullman High School Jazz Band, to purchase items such as music, instruments and equipment.

“(Director) Christopher Smith has done a fantastic job with the Jazz Band again. And the kids have worked really hard to make this community event special,” said Hovater. “I love that they are excited to give back to the community in this way. They have been talking about it since the one last year. And as soon as this one is over students will be asking, ‘When’s the Big Band Dance?’ I don’t know any other place you can go that has a Jazz Band as good and as entertaining as the one from CHS. Nor do I know of any that offer a yearly community dance for this many years straight! But like all other parts of the Cullman Band program, from Beginner Band to High School, they are superior!”

The event will also feature door prizes, including one donated from Doug Doggett Jewelers.

Light refreshments and drinks will be served, and dance lessons will be given 30 minutes before the event begins at 7 p.m.

Said Hovater, “I’ve been a booster for 10 years. This is a bittersweet event for me. My youngest son, Hayden, graduates this year, so this is my last Big Band Dance as a band booster.”

At a Glance

What: 22nd annual Cullman Jazz Band Big Band Dance

When and Where: Friday, Feb. 2 from 7-9 p.m. at the Cullman Civic Center; dance lessons will be given at 6:30.

Admission is $10.

Important: This is not a chaperoned event, so supervision is recommended for children 14 and younger.